New Allander Leisure Centre to be built in early 2021

Laura Sturrock

Work to replace the Allander Leisure Centre in Bearsden is scheduled to start in early 2021.

It will mainly be funded by East Dunbartonshire Council - with £25 million allocated to the project from the council’s 10-year capital investment plan.

The rest of the funding will come from a legally-binding contribution from the developers at the site (CALA Homes) although the amount has not been decided yet as it depends on how many houses are eventually built.

Alan Bauer, East Dunbartonshire Council’s strategic lead for assets & facilities, said: “The Allander Champions Group was established to enable key stakeholders to provide valuable input into the project scope and future design.

“The Champions include representatives from the main user groups within the community as well as representatives from the council and EDLC Trust. We expect to arrange another meeting of that group shortly.

“The authority remains committed to a new Allander Leisure Centre and officers are working to achieve the best outcome for everyone concerned.”

The Allander Leisure Centre was originally known as The Allander Sports Centre, and was officially opened in 1977. A major refurbishment programme took place in 2001.

The current centre has two swimming pools, fitness suite with the very latest Technogym and functional training equipment, over 70 classes a week, an eight court sports hall accommodating most sports: including badminton, basketball and gymnastics.

There are also three indoor five a side 3G pitches and an indoor tennis court. Other facilities include two squash courts, sauna steam room, bistro with Costa Coffee and free Wifi.